Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Reverse total shoulder complications

Complications of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

J Korean Orthop Assoc 2015; 50: 491-500

These authors review the 18 complications that were noted after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for 98 patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and were followed-up for at least 6 months.

Two cases had postoperative dislocations and were addressed with open reduction.

In 2 cases, periprosthetic fractures occurred and were treated with open reduction and plate fixation.

Two acromial stress fractures and were managed conservatively

8 cases of heterotopic ossification were managed conservatively.

Infection and humeral component loosening occurred in one case

Glenoid component loosening occurred in 2 cases

Scapular notching occurred in 43.9% (43/98 cases).

Comment: This paper is a useful reminder of the complications that can be associated with a reverse totals shoulder.